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Ninety-seven Iowa faith leaders have signed a letter sent to the White House and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in support of the first-ever federal limits on carbon pollution at American electrical generating plans.

The Iowans include Bishop Richard Pates of Roman Catholic Diocese of Des Moines, Bishop Alan Scarfe of the Episcopal Diocese of Iowa, Bishop Julius Trimble of the Iowa Area of the United Methodist Church, Rev. Phil Barrett, General Presbyter of the Presbytery of Des Moines, Bishop Michael Burk of the Southeastern Iowa Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, Bishop Martin Amos of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Davenport, and Rabbi Steven Edelman-Blank of Tifereth Israel Synagogue of Des Moines.

Overall, nearly 400 leaders of religious and faith-based organizations throughout the Midwest have signed the letter. Organizers said the EPA is expected to unveil a draft plan next week to address how carbon could be regulated at U.S. power plants, which they said produce 40 percent of the nation's carbon pollution. They said they want to work with the EPA and others, including utilities, in support of cleaner air.

"Climate change is already impacting those who are most vulnerable in our communities and our world," said Susan Guy, executive director of Iowa Interfaith Power & Light, an advocacy group that addresses the environmental and social justice consequences of climate change. "People of faith have long been addressing global issues such as hunger, clean water, and disaster relief, and climate change is exacerbating these and other issues. Limiting carbon pollution from power plants is a key factor in creating meaningful solutions."